Threatened by climate change, Mozambique's Beira bets on urban renewal | Reuters Fri Jul 8, 2016 | 7:01 AM EDT Threatened by climate change, Mozambique's Beira bets on urban renewal By Astrid Zweynert BONN, Germany (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Daviz Simango is one of Mozambique's most influential politicians but last year when yet another flood inundated Beira, the coastal city he has served as mayor since 2003, he felt powerless. "Disasters like that happen all the time in our city but last year was the worst for me - it felt like we're trapped in an endless cycle of disaster after disaster," Simango said. Simango, who has stood in presidential elections in the southeast African country and is the founder-president of its third-largest party, the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) has embarked on an ambitious plan for his city, the country's second largest. Like many African coastal cities, Beira - which lies just above sea-level - is in a race against time to protect itself from cyclones, floods and rising sea-water levels.

Experts say climate change will increase the severity of cyclones and flooding, particularly along the country's 2,700 kilometers (1,680 miles) of coast. It is a challenge that Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, is ill equipped to tackle. The U.N. Human Development Index ranks Mozambique 178th out of 187 countries. With a population of some 26 million, the adult literacy rate is about 56 percent and average life expectancy at birth is just 50.3 years. Most of Beira's more than 500,000 residents live in poverty even thought the city's port is a thriving gateway to the Indian Ocean for landlocked Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia, Simango said. FIXING PAST MISTAKES Scientists predict that sea-levels worldwide are likely to rise 50 to 130 cm (20 to 51 inches) by the end of this century if planet-warming emissions are not reduced rapidly.

"We may have to move 100,000 people to safer areas because of the rising sea-level," Simango, a 52-year-old brimming with energy, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation this week during a conference on resilient cities in Bonn. During heavy downpours in the rainy season - from November to March - Beira's ageing drainage system backs up within hours, forcing many people out of their homes, in particular in the slums, said Simango. As a result, year after year, residents loose their livelihoods and are exposed to diseases like malaria and cholera and drinking water can become contaminated due to fecal material being swept out. A major problem is that the Chiveve tidal river was built over during the 1960s, a "big mistake of the past," said Simango. The city is restoring the Chiveve now with the help of of 13 million euros ($14.4 million) in finance from German development bank KfW, a project due to be completed later this year. The river is being cleared of rubbish and its original course restored to provide a natural drainage system during floods and storm surges.

Beira is also putting a flood barrier in place to protect against storm surges, and is installing new waste disposal and drainage systems. GREEN CITY With a master plan now drawn up to make Beira more resilient and sustainable by 2035, Simango is hoping a partnership between the city and private investors will help him to raise the $100 million he estimates it will cost to disaster-proof the city. The mayor is also keen to make his city greener and more inclusive, as mandated by new global developments goals agreed by world leaders last year. More than 2,000 mangrove trees, a natural flood defense, are being planted along the Chiveve River. "We're going further with this project and turning our green belt into a recreational area," said Simango. The mayor has also launched campaigns with a local charity to educate residents about minimizing disaster risk. "Beira could serve as a model for other cities in Africa," he said. BIG CHALLENGES But the city faces many challenges. It lacks modern infrastructure to support its growing population, and nearly a third of residents lack access to clean water, Simango said.

People fled to Beira during Mozambique's 16-year-civil war that ended in 1992 because the city was considered to be safe, and frequent droughts in Mozambique's impoverished countryside are pushing more people to the city. The most recent El Nino weather pattern, which ended in May, triggered drought across the region, the U.N. food agency said on Thursday, asking for $730 million over the next 12 months for relief in seven southern African countries, including Mozambique. "Our city was built for around 100,000 people - now we have more than five times that and it's putting a lot of pressure on our infrastructure," the mayor said. ($1 = 0.9043 euros) (Reporting by Astrid Zweynert; Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, which covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories) ADVERTISEMENT INTERVIEW-Threatened by climate change, Mozambique's Beira ...

Country's second-largest city in race against time to protect itself from cyclones, floods and rising sea levels By Astrid Zweynert BONN, Germany, July 8 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Daviz Simango is one of Mozambique's most influential politicians but last year when yet another flood inundated Beira, the coastal city he has served as mayor since 2003, he felt powerless. "Disasters like that happen all the time in our city but last year was the worst for me - it felt like we're trapped in an endless cycle of disaster after disaster," Simango said. Simango, who has stood in presidential elections in the southeast African country and is the founder-president of its third-largest party, the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) has embarked on an ambitious plan for his city, the country's second largest. Like many African coastal cities, Beira - which lies just above sea-level - is in a race against time to protect itself from cyclones, floods and rising sea-water levels. Experts say climate change will increase the severity of cyclones and flooding, particularly along the country's 2,700 kilometres (1,680 miles) of coast.

It is a challenge that Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, is ill equipped to tackle. The U.N. Human Development Index ranks Mozambique 178th out of 187 countries. With a population of some 26 million, the adult literacy rate is about 56 percent and average life expectancy at birth is just 50.3 years. Most of Beira's more than 500,000 residents live in poverty even thought the city's port is a thriving gateway to the Indian Ocean for landlocked Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia, Simango said. FIXING PAST MISTAKES Scientists predict that sea-levels worldwide are likely to rise 50 to 130 cm (20 to 51 inches) by the end of this century if planet-warming emissions are not reduced rapidly. "We may have to move 100,000 people to safer areas because of the rising sea-level," Simango, a 52-year-old brimming with energy, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation this week during a conference on resilient cities in Bonn.

During heavy downpours in the rainy season - from November to March - Beira's ageing drainage system backs up within hours, forcing many people out of their homes, in particular in the slums, said Simango. As a result, year after year, residents lose their livelihoods and are exposed to diseases like malaria and cholera and drinking water can become contaminated due to faecal material being swept out. A major problem is that the Chiveve tidal river was built over during the 1960s, a "big mistake of the past," said Simango. The city is restoring the Chiveve now with the help of of 13 million euros ($14.4 million) in finance from German development bank KfW, a project due to be completed later this year. The river is being cleared of rubbish and its original course restored to provide a natural drainage system during floods and storm surges. Beira is also putting a flood barrier in place to protect against storm surges, and is installing new waste disposal and drainage systems.

GREEN CITY With a master plan now drawn up to make Beira more resilient and sustainable by 2035, Simango is hoping a partnership between the city and private investors will help him to raise the $100 million he estimates it will cost to disaster-proof the city. The mayor is also keen to make his city greener and more inclusive, as mandated by new global developments goals agreed by world leaders last year. More than 2,000 mangrove trees, a natural flood defence, are being planted along the Chiveve River. "We're going further with this project and turning our green belt into a recreational area," said Simango. The mayor has also launched campaigns with a local charity to educate residents about minimising disaster risk. "Beira could serve as a model for other cities in Africa," he said. BIG CHALLENGES But the city faces many challenges. It lacks modern infrastructure to support its growing population, and nearly a third of residents lack access to clean water, Simango said.

People fled to Beira during Mozambique's 16-year-civil war that ended in 1992 because the city was considered to be safe, and frequent droughts in Mozambique's impoverished countryside are pushing more people to the city. The most recent El Nino weather pattern, which ended in May, triggered drought across the region, the U.N. food agency said on Thursday, asking for $730 million over the next 12 months for relief in seven southern African countries, including Mozambique. "Our city was built for around 100,000 people - now we have more than five times that and it's putting a lot of pressure on our infrastructure," the mayor said. ($1 = 0.9043 euros) (Reporting by Astrid Zweynert; Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, which covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change.

Visit news.trust.org to see more stories) Themes Port of Beira, Mozambique Finance & Admin Director - Jan Krogerus Terminal Manager - Risto Aapro Marketing & Sales Manager - Felix Machado The port of Beira in Moçambique is situated at the mouth of the Pungue River at Longitude 34º 50' E and Latitude 19º 51' S. Time Zone is GMT+2 hours. The town of Beira is relatively modern, having been founded at the same time as Johannesburg (late 19th century), after having been identified as a potential port by the Portuguese explorer Paive de Andrade. This activity and rush to create a port and town occurred during the scramble between the Portuguese and British over the occupation of land in eastern southern Africa, with the British (in the form of Cecil John Rhodes' Chartered Company), having a strong interest in securing a sea link for the newly chartered lands of Rhodesia. De Andrade's report was followed by a hydrographic survey of the river and bar and in 1887 a Portuguese military post was established, out of which the town grew.

Beira, which is now Moçambique's second largest city, took its name from the Portuguese crown prince D Luis Filipe, who had been given the title Prince of Beira - the latter place being a region in central Portugal. By 1889 channel buoys marked the entrance to the Pungue estuary and six years later work began on the first landing stage. A wooden pier was also constructed to serve the railway, which was then under construction. The railway was built to a narrow gauge (two foot) and reached Umtali (now Mutare) on the Rhodesian border in 1898, but was soon converted to the more practical Cape Gauge of 3ft 6ins (1067mm). The railway quickly became the lifeline of the port and for many years carried much of the cargo and passengers to and from the landlocked Rhodesias (now Zimbabwe and Zambia) as well as Nyasaland (now Malawi). During the UDI days of Rhodesia much of this traffic was lost to Beira and the port and town suffered accordingly.

The civil war in Moçambique also took its effect, particularly with the loss through sabotage of the railway leading to Malawi and the mineral-rich Tete Province By the mid to late 1920s construction of deepwater berths and improved anchorage at Beira had begun under the control of the company named Companhia do Porto da Beira, which continued to administer the port until 1949 when the Moçambique Ports & Railways Company (CFM) took over administrational control. On 15 October 1998 a joint venture was formed between Cornelder Holding, based in Rotterdam (67%) and CFM (33%) for the management of the Beira Ports (Container and General Cargo Terminals) by Cornelder de Moçambique (CdM). Cornelder de Moçambique is now a key partner in the economic development of the east southern African region and a principal catalyst in promoting this development. In its bid to spearhead economic development in the region CdM has engaged in a joint venture with a Zimbabwean Company located in Mutare (GMS Freight) where Dry Port facilities are being offered (inland container Terminal).

The port remains directly linked to the hinterland (Zimbabwe and Zambia) by road and rail networks, and currently by road only to Malawi. However, the Sena railway line linking Beira with Malawi and the Tete Province is currently being rehabilitated. A pipeline constructed in 1960 links the port with Zimbabwe and Beira Port also has direct sea links to Europe, Asia and the world at large. Beira port has a total of 11 berths stretching over a total length of 1994 meters, excluding berth number 1, which is reserved as a fishing harbor. Beira is 319km from the Zimbabwe border at Machipanda and 685km by good condition road from Malawi via Nova Vanduzi. The port handles a variety of cargo from breakbulk, neo bulk and bulk including petroleum products. Beira Harbour limitations: Access to the port is obtained via the dredged Mancuti Channel (17 n.miles from the Mancuti lighthouse). Ships waiting for berthing instructions are required to anchor east of the outer channel. The port is tidal with a MH spring range of 6.2 - 7.4m.

Vessels awaiting berth must anchor at the bar. The approach to the River Pungue is obstructed by numerous banks and shoals, which are constantly changing. From the north end of Channel Rambler, the entrance channel is marked by light buoys west of Cbadelo light (metal mast, 4m in height), exhibits 9 cables north northwest of Ponta Gea on the edge of a bank fronting the shore between Ponta Gea and Ponta Chiveve. The port is open 24 hours a day although night navigation is restricted to vessels up to 7m draught and LOA of 140m. Pilotage and tug assistance is compulsory at all times, with pilots joining ships near P Buoy. Tides Vessels with a draught of 4.88m or less may enter the port at any state of the tide. Those drawing more than 4.88m are required to wait for a suitable height of tide before entry.

Tidal height at MHWS = 6.4m (21') MHWN = 4.3m (14') MLWN = 2.7m (9') MLWS = 0.8m (2'6") In the wet season with a high river, the ebb stream can attain a rate of up to 6 knots at springs and 2 - 3 knots at neaps. Marine Craft: Beira is served with two 2,200BHP, 35t bollard pull tugs, a pilot boat and a mooring launch, available 24 hours a day. One of the tugs is named Pungue. A private company performs dredging within the port and channel. The port employs five pilots. Port Volumes: During 2004 a total of 208 ocean-going ships called at Beira in addition to 80 coastal vessels. The container terminal handled 46,775 TEUs, which consisted of 240,333 tonnes landed (imported), 240,669 tonnes shipped (exported) and 48,456 tonnes of coastal traffic.

General cargo handled consisted of 345,729 tonnes of cargo landed, 486,032 tonnes shipped and 6,019 tonnes of coastal general cargo. Total port throughput in metric tonnes amounted to 1,367,238 tonnes. Port Facilities: The port of Beira's facilities include a container terminal and a general cargo terminal, both of which are concessioned to Cornelder de Moçambique. The port also has a liquid bulk facility Cornelder de Moçambique Facilities Multi Purpose Container Terminal The multi-purpose and Container Terminal is one of the most modern in southern Africa and covers 645 metres of berth length, comprising of berth numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5 with a designed depth alongside of about 12 metres. The terminal design capacity is 100,000 TEU's per year.

Container Storage and Stacking Facilities: 200,000 m² well illuminated container yard; accommodating 3117 TEU'S including 144 electrical reefer points and dedicated IMDG dangerous goods storage area One bonded transit warehouse of 8400 m² for stuffing and stripping containers, fully secured 3650 m² covered storage area Dedicated granite storage area General Cargo Terminal The General Cargo Terminal covers 670 metres berth length, comprising berth numbers 6, 7, 9 and 10. The terminal design capacity is 2,300,000 metric tonnes per year. The designed depth alongside of the quays is 10 metres. General Cargo Storage Facilities: Five covered warehouses with a total of 15000 m² 12000 m² paved open space for ferro chrome, granite, steel and other break bulk cargoes Storage extension area for expansion is available with 175000 m² All activities of CdM are fully computerized utilising a Port Management System (PMS). The system can be accessed by the client via internet to provide information on the status of their cargo.

Port Cargo Handling Equipment Two Ship to Shore Gantry cranes available each with 50 tons under hook lifting capacity One Rail Mounted Gantry crane available with 50 tons for loading and off loading of wagons Reachstackers - 45 tons Kalmar Forklifts - 16 - 45 tons Terminal tractors with 60 tons capacity and four wheel drive Payloaders for multiuse Mobile cranes - 35 and 45 tons Normal trailers and skeletons Bagging units (for grain and fertiliser) Grabs (for general cargo) Emergency generator - 1600 KVA Weighbridge (28 meters long) Berth 6 is for refrigerated cargo including citrus exports, vegetables and other fresh products. The coal terminal is on berth 8, and the oil terminal is at berths 11 and the new berth number 12 further upstream, where tankers of up to 60,000DWT and a 12m draught are catered for. Beira has a small dry dock for vessels up to 110m LOA. The port has good ship chandling and stevedoring services.

A ferry service operates to other small harbours along the coast including Buzi, Sofala, Chiloane, Machanga, Nova Mambone. Bunkering is available. Cities of Mozambique, Southern Africa, Mosambique Travel Information 13 DayKruger to Inhambane 10 DayExplore Inhambane and Vilanculos Travellers Guide to Cities and Towns of Mozambique Indulge in typical seafood or enjoy historical and cultural highlights. Explore big cities like Maputo or Pemba, or relax while sailing on a typical dhow. Go snorkelling and diving around coral reefs in crystal clear water. Game and nature reserves and legendary nightlife are other factors that complete a visit to the fascinating towns of Mozambique. Maputo. The Capitol. Hotels and Nightlife Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, is located to the south of the country. Formerly known as Lourenco Marques, it evokes much of the atmosphere of its Portuguese colonial past with its wide streets lined with acacia and jacaranda trees. Discover Maputo in Detail Beira The second major port of Mozambique, Beira is located at the mouth of the Pungwe River in Sofala province.

In the heart of the city is the square of Largo do Munincï¿½pio, surrounded by old colonial buildings, terraces, tea rooms and shops. The cathedral, erected in 1925, was built partly from stones from the 16th century Fort of Sofala, which has since been submerged under the sea. Other typical colonial style buildings of note are Casa Portugal and the magnificent Casa Infante de Sagres. The mouth of the Pungwe River is swampy and the weather is very hot and humid. Stringent malaria precautions must be taken before visiting. This busy port city possesses the interesting architecture of Portuguese colonialism which house some of the banks, hotels and shops. Cosmopolitan pavement cafes and restaurants invariably serve large juicy tiger prawns and cheap crayfish that Mozambique is famous for. Excellent beaches are found between the Clube Nutico and Macuti lighthouse, with Macuti Beach being the most fashionable suburb. About 10 minutes inland there is a resort and artificial lagoon with islands, visitors can swim and hire pedal boats, dhow trips and great camping can be found on the Save River.

Inhambane Further north from the capital, in the province of the same name, is the city of Inhambane. This Mozambique city established as a Portuguese trading post in 1534 it is one of the oldest European settlements in Southern Africa. The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception, with its fine clock tower, was built by the Portuguese about 200 years ago. This is the capital of the province and located on a protected bay 469km (291 miles) from Maputo, which was popular in the 1400s and 1500s with the Portuguese explorers, in particular Vasco Da Gama sadly this settlement also later became a major slave port and ivory trading centre which went on unhindered late into the 1800s. Inhambane is one of the most attractive Mozambican towns with great colonial architecture. It serves as a springboard for access to the famous Tofo and Barra beach resorts nearby and also to Coconut Bay and Jangamo Beach. Tofu and the surrounding areas have excellent diving with good reefs and large marine life including reef sharks, Humpback Whales and Whale Sharks in season.

In town visitors can go sightseeing at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception, the Governors House, the mosque, the train station and the local market or sail on a dhow across the harbour. Find Beach Lodges in Inhambane Xai-Xai The beach near Xai-Xai, north of Maputo in Gaza province, is a popular destination. The Limpopo river flows south of the Mozambican town. The capital of the Gaza Province, Xai Xai is reached by tar roads and located about 200km (124 miles) north of Maputo. The town is situated on the Limpopo River and is a good place to stock up on supplies. It has markets, restaurants, shops, a campsite, bars, petrol stations, banks and a post office. Mozambique visitors generally stop here on there way to a beautiful beach in the east about 10km (6 miles) away. Praia do Xai Xai has been popular with visitors for years due to the coral reef that runs along the coas, providing a sheltered bathing and snorkelling area at high tide and interesting small pools at low tide.

Nearby is the Wenela Tidal Pool, Chongoene beach and half an hour away freshwater lakes for water sports like kayaking. Find beach Lodges in Xai-Xai Quelimane The capital of Zambezia is an important port on a wide river called Rios dos Boas Sinais, so named by Vasco Da Gama late in the 1400s. There are a number of restaurants, trendy street cafes and hotels on the river front. Like most of northern Mozambique the Quelimane is largely Islamic and mosques can be found dotted around the city. Interesting sights include the Old Cathedral, circa 1785 and the Governors residence. An important river port, located on the Rio dos Bons Sinais in Zambezia Province, Quelimane's landmarks include an austere Cathedral and an ornate, modern Mosque. Within reach are a number of hot-water springs and the tea plantations of the Gurue Mountains. Nampula Displays of typical Mozambican art are on show in the city museum of this provincial capital, while the Cathedral is a remarkable building with twin towers and a massive dome.

This is the third largest town in Mozambique and is quite modern with banks, hotels, tennis clubs, supermarkets and shops. Although not really a designated tourist area there are a lot of places that are worth a visit like a museum, mosques and interesting cathedrals such as the imposing Cathedral de Nosa Senhora da Conceicao.< Pemba One of the few cities of Mozambique not dominated by technology, thanks to little industrial activity, much of the natural beauty of this city, situated in a bay of the same name in Cabo Delgado Province, has been preserved. The Old Town contains several traditional markets where souvenirs include silverware. From Pemba, tourists can hire a boat to visit the lovely Ibo Island. The Cabo Delgado Provinces capital city is busy with an enormous harbour, banks, patisseries, supermarkets and restaurants. This cosmopolitan centre lies in a bay where the bush meets the beach, forests of Baobab trees stretch down to the water where many dhows can be seen making their way across the bay. Pemba has a massive market which stretches for 2km (1 mile) with stalls that sell absolutely everything.

The old town has a number of interesting traditional markets and visitors can watch the silversmiths at work or head off to lovely beaches namely Wimbi and Farol. Snorkelling and diving along coral reefs with superb views of the marine life is guaranteed in this Mozambican city. Find Beach Lodges and Hotels in Pemba Lichinga The gateway to Lake Niassa and the Niassa Game Reserve, the city of Lichinga, in Niassa Province, is home to more than 75,000 inhabitants. Located at high altitude on the plateau of the same name, Lichinga experiences a temperate-cold climate. There is an airport here and the surrounding area is characterised by extensive pine forests. Find Lodges at Lake Niassa Tete Tete, the provincial capital of Mozambique, is one of the hottest parts of the country and where the impressive Tete Suspension Bridge crosses the Zambezi River. Baroma Church, about 30 km from the city, is a magnificent Jesuit Church built at the end of the 19th century.

Some 150 km from Tete is the Cabora Bassa Dam, the second largest in Africa, which creates an enormous reservoir with a surface of 2,000 sq. km. The capital city of this Mozambican province is located on a plateau on the Zambezi River, about 500 metres above sea level; it is one of the hottest places in this country and the largest city on the river. The 1km (just under a mile) long Tete Suspension Bridge crosses the Zambezi River and is a vital connection on the major highway linking northern and southern parts of Mozambique and also Zimbabwe and Malawi. Another interesting place to visit is the magnificent Boroma Jesuit Church about 30 minutes from Tete. Chimoio Manica Province, is an important commercial centre. A well- known feature of the city is Cabeca do Velho, a spectacular, natural stone formation resembling the face of an old man.

West of Chimoio is the historic town of Manica, with its impressive Museum of Geology while about 36 km from Chimoio is the Chicamba Reï¿½l dam, its sheered off rock face forming a natural V- shape to house the dam. This city forms an important centre for the trade of agricultural products and lies on the railway line between Beira and Harare, in Zimbabwe. On the edge of Lake Chicamba there is a tourist resort and a crocodile farm. Mozambique Holiday Lodges and Vacation Packages Customer Support Tel: +27 21 424 1037 Fax: +27 21 424 1036 Threatened by climate change, Mozambique's Beira bets on urban renewal Threatened by climate change, Mozambique's Beira bets on urban renewal By Astrid Zweynert Share By Astrid Zweynert BONN, Germany (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Daviz Simango is one of Mozambique's most influential politicians but last year when yet another flood inundated Beira, the coastal city he has served as mayor since 2003, he felt powerless.

"Disasters like that happen all the time in our city but last year was the worst for me - it felt like we're trapped in an endless cycle of disaster after disaster," Simango said. Simango, who has stood in presidential elections in the southeast African country and is the founder-president of its third-largest party, the Democratic Movement of Mozambique (MDM) has embarked on an ambitious plan for his city, the country's second largest. Like many African coastal cities, Beira - which lies just above sea-level - is in a race against time to protect itself from cyclones, floods and rising sea-water levels. Experts say climate change will increase the severity of cyclones and flooding, particularly along the country's 2,700 kilometers (1,680 miles) of coast. It is a challenge that Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries, is ill equipped to tackle. The U.N. Human Development Index ranks Mozambique 178th out of 187 countries. With a population of some 26 million, the adult literacy rate is about 56 percent and average life expectancy at birth is just 50.3 years.

Most of Beira's more than 500,000 residents live in poverty even thought the city's port is a thriving gateway to the Indian Ocean for landlocked Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia, Simango said. FIXING PAST MISTAKES Scientists predict that sea-levels worldwide are likely to rise 50 to 130 cm (20 to 51 inches) by the end of this century if planet-warming emissions are not reduced rapidly. "We may have to move 100,000 people to safer areas because of the rising sea-level," Simango, a 52-year-old brimming with energy, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation this week during a conference on resilient cities in Bonn. During heavy downpours in the rainy season - from November to March - Beira's ageing drainage system backs up within hours, forcing many people out of their homes, in particular in the slums, said Simango. As a result, year after year, residents loose their livelihoods and are exposed to diseases like malaria and cholera and drinking water can become contaminated due to fecal material being swept out.

A major problem is that the Chiveve tidal river was built over during the 1960s, a "big mistake of the past," said Simango. The city is restoring the Chiveve now with the help of of 13 million euros ($14.4 million) in finance from German development bank KfW, a project due to be completed later this year. The river is being cleared of rubbish and its original course restored to provide a natural drainage system during floods and storm surges. Beira is also putting a flood barrier in place to protect against storm surges, and is installing new waste disposal and drainage systems. GREEN CITY With a master plan now drawn up to make Beira more resilient and sustainable by 2035, Simango is hoping a partnership between the city and private investors will help him to raise the $100 million he estimates it will cost to disaster-proof the city. The mayor is also keen to make his city greener and more inclusive, as mandated by new global developments goals agreed by world leaders last year. More than 2,000 mangrove trees, a natural flood defense, are being planted along the Chiveve River.

"We're going further with this project and turning our green belt into a recreational area," said Simango. The mayor has also launched campaigns with a local charity to educate residents about minimizing disaster risk. "Beira could serve as a model for other cities in Africa," he said. BIG CHALLENGES But the city faces many challenges. It lacks modern infrastructure to support its growing population, and nearly a third of residents lack access to clean water, Simango said. People fled to Beira during Mozambique's 16-year-civil war that ended in 1992 because the city was considered to be safe, and frequent droughts in Mozambique's impoverished countryside are pushing more people to the city. The most recent El Nino weather pattern, which ended in May, triggered drought across the region, the U.N. food agency said on Thursday, asking for $730 million over the next 12 months for relief in seven southern African countries, including Mozambique. "Our city was built for around 100,000 people - now we have more than five times that and it's putting a lot of pressure on our infrastructure," the mayor said.

($1 = 0.9043 euros) (Reporting by Astrid Zweynert; Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, which covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories) Reblog Southern African Development Community Mozambique Mozambique Mozambique lies on the east coast of Southern Africa, measuring a total of some 799,380 km² in area. The country borders the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Swaziland. The country’s extensive coastline stretches 2,515 km along the south east and east coast of Africa. The Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, two of Africa’s major rivers, flow through Mozambique to the Indian Ocean. There are a number of islands on the coast including the Quirimba Archipelago in the region of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique Island in Nampula province, Chiloane Island in Sofala, the Bazaruto Archipelago in Inhambane and Inhaca Island in Maputo province.

The climate varies from subtropical to tropical (south to north) and is influenced by the monsoons of the Indian Ocean and by the warm current of the Mozambique Channel. Temperatures range from 13 to 24 degrees Celsius during the dry season, which is May to September, and from 22 to 31 degrees Celsius during the wet season, namely October to April. The central and southern provinces are prone to severe drought, devastating cyclones and floods. The total population is approximately 20,579,265 (latest census). There are many different ethnic groups in Mozambique, the largest being the Makua-Lomwe, which accounts for around 40 % of the population, with others including the Shona and the Tsonga. The official and business language is Portuguese. English is widely spoken in business and academic circles, especially in Maputo. Local languages include Emakua, Shangane, Bitanga, Xitswa, Chope, Ronga, Elomwe, Chuabo, Sena, Shona, Ndau, Nyandja, Kimwani and Chimakonde.

Maputo is the capital of Mozambique, and other major population centres includes Beira, the second largest city, which also acts as the business and transport hub for the central region of the country. Mozambique became independent on 25 June, 1975 and the first multi-party elections were held in 1994, and the president is the Head of State. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy providing employment for over 75 % of the workforce and contributing an estimated 26.2 % to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2005. The cash and export crops include sugarcane, cotton, tea and tobacco. The fisheries sector is also another major source of foreign exchange earnings, accounting for around 2 % of the GDP in 2004. Mozambique’s industrial sector has main manufacturing operations including light engineering, food industries, textiles, brewing, soft drinks, cement, oils, soaps and chemicals. The industrial sector’s contribution to GDP in 2005 was estimated at 34.8 %.

Mozambique has several tourist attraction areas such as the 2,515 km of Indian Ocean coastline dotted with sandy beaches and clear water, colonial hotels, an abundance of some of the world’s most exquisite seafood, as well as an interior with beautiful scenery and wildlife. Beach tourism has expanded along the southern coast, including the islands of the environmentally unique Bazaruto Archipelago in Inhambane province. Other major tourist attractions include the Ibo Islands and the city of Pemba in the north of the country. Mozambique Island, also in the north, is a major historical and cultural attraction reflecting indigenous African culture and architecture as well as Arab and Portuguese influences. Country Profile Provinces of Mozambique Provinces of Mozambique Famous because of Delagoa Bay (Baía do Espírito Santo) where the capital, Maputo , is located, this province has a rare charm provided by the contrast between urban and rural ways of life. The province borders South Africa and Swaziland and is very accessible. Gaza Gaza province is known as the "granary" of Mozambique because of the fertility of the Limpopo valley where there is extensive cereal and rice cultivation.

The provincial capital of Xai Xai is 224 km from Maputo and the nearby beach (10km) is a popular tourist destination. There are several hotel and restaurants in the town, however, the majority of tourists prefer to stay at the beach, Praia do Xai Xai. The massive reef running parallel to the beach provides natural protection against the strong waves at high tide and forms several small pools at low tide. At low tide, the reefs are invaded by women and children gathering shellfish, which they sell to appreciative tourists. About 145 km north of Maputo (EN 1) is the small town of Macia which is the turning for Bilene, some 30 km further. Bilene lies on the shore of a huge, 27km long lagoon of clear, brackish water and fine, white sand. The Banhine National Park, situated between the Limpopo and Changane rivers, is an important area, protected due to its rich variety of wildlife. Inhambane Inhambane province is characterised by its extensive coconut palms and cashew trees.

This province has one of the most famous tourist destinations of the country; the Bazaruto archipelago . Cathedral of Our Lady of the Conception is an old and imposing church in the town of Inhambane , with a fine clock tower which was built by the Portuguese about 200 years ago. This province has innumerable famous beaches, amongst which are: Praia de Zavala (11 km from Quissico), Praia de Závora (85 km south of Inhambane), Baía dos Cocos (Coconut Bay) and Praia do Tofo (22 km east of Inhambane), Praia da Barra (20 km north of Inhambane) and Pomene (174 km north of Inhambane). The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of four islands (Bazaruto, Benguera, Magaruque and Santa Carolina). They are situated off mainland between Vilanculos and Inhassoro (780 km from Maputo). There are high quality hotels on the islands.

To reach the islands it is possible to hire a boat locally, or to travel by air from Maputo and Beira or to fly directly from a neighbouring country via Vilanculos where there are immigration and customs services. Zinave National Park and Bazaruto National Park are conservation areas. Sofala Sofala is one of the richest Mozambican provinces producing primarily shrimps and sugar. The provincial capital, Beira, is built on a plain below sea level. The city spreads along the coast from the port to the lighthouse in the Macuti area. Worth visiting are: Largo do Município - in the heart of the city, this square is surrounded by old colonial style buildings, terraces, tea rooms and shops. Casa Portugal - a house built in a typical colonial style. It is located near the Praça do Metical. Casa Infante de Sagres - a beautiful house of magnificant architecture. It is found in the Largo Infante Sagres. Casa dos Bicos - an architecturally innovative building is used for exhibitions and trade fairs. It is situated on Av. Samora Machel.

Beiras best beaches are found between the Clube Náutico and the lighthouse. "Six Miles" is a resort situated inland about 10 km from the city centre. Here there is an artificial lagoon with islands where you may swim and pedal boats are available for hire. For game viewing, there is the famous Gorongosa National Park, 150 km from Beira, and the Marromeu Buffalo Reserve, to the north of the province. In both areas there are restocking programmes underway. Manica The province is an important producer of a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Chimoio, the capital city of Manica Province, is an important commercial centre for the trade of agricultural products which comes in from the surrounding fertile areas. Cabeça do Velho (Face of the Old Man) - the most well known feature of the city is a spectacular natural stone formation resembling the face of an old man. Chicamba Real is an hydroelectric dam between Manica and Chimoio. It is a stunning situation with the sheered off rock forming a natural V-shape to house the dam.

About 45 km from Chimoio towards the Machipanda border there is a sign for Casa Msika, a tourist resort on the edge of Lake Chicamba with chalets, a campsite and a pool. This is the ideal place for a fisherman or an ardent bird watcher. Visitors are also invited to visit the crocodile farm nearby. Zambezia Zambezia is an agricultural region of extensive coconut and magnificent tea plantations. Quelimane, the main city, is an important river port, located on the Rio dos Bons Sinais. In the city you'll find the Old Cathedral - a magnificent and austere building - and the Mosque - a modern building with ornate lattice-work at the top of the facade. Praia de Zalala is a wonderful beach of endless white sand and is reached from Quelimane by 45 km of tarred road to the northeast. The beach is lined by dense and leafy casuarina trees. The mountain region in the northern part of the province has extensive areas of tea plantations. Gilé Game Reserve is a wildlife conservation area with a great variety of mammal and d species.

Tete province is well known as the location of the colossal Cabora Bassa dam and is also rich in minerals, such as coal, iron, fluorite and gold. Tete, the main town, is one of the hottest parts of Mozambique as it lies on a plateau 500 m above sea level. Worth visiting are: The Tete Suspension Bridge - crossing over the Zambezi river this bridge links Tete to Moatize. It was built at the end of 1960s. Boroma Church - about 30km from Tete, this magnificant Jesuit Church was built at the end of the 19th century. Cabora Bassa Dam - is the second largest dam in Africa and the fifth largest in the world. The enormous reservoir behind the dam has a surface area of more than 2,000 sq. km. You must obtain a written permission to visit the dam from the "Hidroeléctrica de Cabora Bassa" (HCB) office in Tete before travelling to Songo (150km from Tete), where guided tours to the power station and dam are available.

Nampula Nampula province presents contrasting scenery. The miombo forest alternates with the magnificent towering granite domes and peaks, a paradise for rock climbers. The capital city, Nampula, is an inland town surrounded by flat plains dotted by rocky granite outcrops. Nampula Cathedral is a remarkable building with twin towers and massive dome. Nampula Museum have displays of the diverse forms of art typical of Mozambican culture. The old part of the Mozambique Island, about two third of its total area, was declared a "World Heritage Site" by UNESCO in 1992. Here there are buildings constructed out of coral, although many are in a poor condition due to the lack of maintenence in recent years. Places of interest include: St. Pauls Palace, The Museum of Sacred Art and The Fortress of St Sebastian. Popular beaches are: Praia de Fernão Veloso. Located near Nacala 80 km north of Mozambique Island. Praia das Chocas. Near Moçambique Island, on the mainland, is a very popular beach. Cabo Delgado The most northerly province of the country is the home of the Makonde group of people.

The Makonde are known as artists, particularly for their wood and ivory carvings. The city of Pemba , located on the large bay of the same name, has little industrial activity and thus its natural beauty has been preserved and its beautiful beaches are untouched by pollution. The old town contains several traditional markets where you can admire the silversmiths at work on their verandas. These craftsmen transform coins into silver necklaces, bracelets and ear-rings. Praia do Wimbe is a palm-lined beach with white sand and blue clear waters. Ibo Island is a beautiful island and part of the idyllic Quirimbas Archipelago. In historic times, it was an important Portuguese trade post. To visit the island you can hire a boat in Pemba for the crossing. Niassa Niassa province is the largest and the most sparsely populated region of the ten provinces of Mozambique. It is bordered by Tanzania in the north and Malawi in the west. The largest town is Lichinga, located on the plateau of the same name. The surrounding countryside is characterised by extensive pine forests. A visit to Lake Niassa is obligatory if you want to have a "real Africa" experience.

The journey down to the edge of the lake has to be in a 4x4 vehicle due to the quality of the road, thus the lake is inaccessible to many tourists and still unspoilt. The Niassa Reserve to the north of the province is famous for its large number of elephants.

Question: Beira is the second largest city in which African country?
Answer: MOZAMBIQUE